SEPTEMBER 23, 1996

New boys try F1 cars

TRADITIONALLY this is the time of year when the F1 teams give young drivers the chance to test Grand Prix machinery. This week will be no exception with Jorg Muller and Jarno Trulli both expected to test. In addition we expect to see youngster Giancarlo Fisichella trying out a Benetton.

Muller, who currently leads the FIA International Formula 3000 Championship, is to test for Arrows and will help the team with its intensive tire testing program for Bridgestone in the months ahead. It will be Muller's second taste of F1, the 27-year-old having previously tested a Ligier-Renault at Estoril in 1994.

Trulli - who will test for Benetton if he can get out of his military service duties in Italy - currently leads the German F3 series and is tipped for a big future. Also running for Benetton will be Minardi-contracted driver Giancarlo Fisichella, the first sign of the yet to-be-announced deal between Minardi and Benetton boss Flavio Briatore.